You may have some questions about whether your dentist recommends veneers. Let’s examine what veneers are, the types of veneers, their benefits, alternatives available, and dental veneers‘ cost, and answer common questions about this treatment option for improving your smile.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are dental appliances designed to conceal teeth. They’re a hardy, durable cover placed over teeth to hide imperfections.
Types Of Veneers
There are several kinds of veneers, including the following:
- Composite veneers: Composite veneers are a fast treatment option made from tooth-colored resin, so they match your teeth
- Lumineers: Lumineers are made with porcelain, but the porcelain is thinner than that found in porcelain veneers. These veneers are less durable but can still last up to 20 years.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain is durable and long-lasting, enabling patients to enjoy the benefits of veneers without the need to replace them frequently
- Removable veneers: Removable veneers are a quick option if you want to improve your smile but aren’t concerned about protecting your damaged teeth. They’re more affordable but will not stop cracks or chips in your enamel from spreading.
- Zirconia veneers: Zirconia is solid, making it the most durable option when choosing veneers. However, the color doesn’t blend as well with your teeth, so these veneers stand out more than other types of veneers.
Benefits Of Veneers
Veneers offer the following benefits:
- Conceal chipped and cracked teeth
- Conceal discoloration
- Conceal gaps between teeth
- Conceal stains
- Conceal tiny teeth
Depending on the type of veneers you choose, they may prevent damage from spreading. However, their primary purpose is to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Indications For Veneers
Veneers may be an option for you if you’re affected by any of the following symptoms:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Having these symptoms does not guarantee you’re a suitable candidate for veneers. You must also have good oral health and enough enamel to remove some without jeopardizing your dental health.
Consultation And Treatment Planning
You will have a consultation appointment with your cosmetic dentist to prepare to get veneers. Dentists use X-rays to assess your teeth and confirm how many need veneers. Sometimes, patients need braces first to correct significant gaps, twisted teeth, or other issues that veneers don’t address.
Those who need a root canal or have periodontitis may not be able to get veneers. When you book your consultation appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas, your dentist will explain your options and alternatives.
Veneer Preparation And Placement
Once you confirm that you’re a candidate for veneers, you’re ready to prepare. The procedure for getting veneers installed begins with preparing for the mold. Your dentist uses a grinding tool to remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth getting the veneers. Next, your dentist takes a mold of those teeth.
Dental laboratory technicians use the molds to create custom veneers to fit your teeth. When you return for your next appointment, your dentist takes the following steps:
- Confirms the veneers fit properly
- Confirms the veneers are a suitable color
- Performs a thorough teeth cleaning
- Grinds the teeth to make it easier for the veneers to adhere to the enamel
- Applies dental cement to the teeth
Your dentist may apply temporary veneers and have you return in a few weeks so they can remove them. Then, they follow the same process to apply your permanent veneers.
Maintenance And Care
The longer your veneers last, the less time you’ll seek dental treatment. Appropriate maintenance and care will preserve your veneers and prevent damage. Proper maintenance and care include the following:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss daily
- Use nonabrasive toothpaste with fluoride
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash
- Avoid hard foods
- Avoid consuming things that stain teeth, such as coffee
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Wear a night guard when sleeping
- Do not use your teeth as tools
- Do not chew your nails
Durability And Longevity
Porcelain’s primary ingredient is clay; they’re heated once the materials are combined. Porcelain is durable and long-lasting. Depending on the type of veneers and how well they’re maintained, veneers can last several decades. However, veneers aren’t indestructible and may be damaged if you’re in an accident and receive a blow to the mouth.
Cost Considerations
The cost of veneers is a factor for many who are considering how to improve their smile. Depending on the materials chosen, veneers can cost up to $2,500 per tooth. You will have to cover the cost of veneers yourself. The insurance industry considers veneers an optional cosmetic procedure for improving your appearance, not an essential medical treatment for correcting oral health issues. Consequently, veneers aren’t covered by insurance.
Although composite materials may cost much less per tooth, porcelain veneers can last four times as long. Considering the cost and benefits is crucial because spending more now on porcelain veneers means less time getting replacements later.
Potential Risks And Complications
All medical procedures involve some risk of complications. Potential risks from veneers include the following:
- Infection: You could get an infection if bacteria is trapped between your veneers and enamel. The infection could affect your tooth or gums.
- Gum shrinkage: If your gums recede, the point where your veneers end may become visible, drawing attention to your veneers
- Sensitivity: Your teeth will be more sensitive when exposed to hot and cold items after you get veneers
- Stains: You are at risk of teeth stains if you consume food or beverages known to stain teeth
You must discuss potential risks with your dentist before choosing veneers.
Alternatives To Veneers
Suitable alternatives to veneers depend on your issues. Teeth whitening may be an option if you have stains to conceal. However, you may need braces to correct gaps.
FAQ
How Long Do Veneers Typically Last?
Porcelain veneers may last up to 30 years, while composite veneers may only last seven years.
Can Veneers Be Whitened If They Become Stained Over Time?
Porcelain veneers can be whitened, but your dentist must do this. Composite veneers cannot be whitened.
Are Veneers Reversible?
Porcelain veneers are not reversible.
Can Veneers Fix Gaps Between Teeth?
Veneers can conceal gaps but do not correct teeth alignment. If you have severe gaps or misshapen teeth, you may need braces before getting veneers.
How Many Appointments Are Typically Needed For Veneer Placement?
Patients typically need four appointments to receive their permanent porcelain veneers.
Absolute Dental Offers Veneers And More
Our Las Vegas dentists can confirm whether veneers suit your dental care needs. In addition to our Las Vegas office, we have dental experts in Reno, Nevada, who will explain options for improving your smile.
Sources:
Chipped Tooth. (2024).
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians: What They Do. (2024).
Gotter, A., et al. (2023). What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers.
Porcelain. (2018).